Over the years I have tried every method of basting. For my handquilting projects I use the curved safety pins. For my machine quilted Linus quilts I use the safety pins but don't close them. It makes it much easier to grab them before the machine needle runs over them. Each project might call for a differnt method of basting. I only use the spray stuff on small projects and only when I can open the windows or take it outside. Fuseable batting works for small projects. I haven't handbasted in a long time.